Edgar Martinez: The Hall of Famer in our hearts

A fan looks back on her favorite Mariner

Published 3:38 pm, Saturday, August 12, 2017

They have annoying opinions. They get into weird beefs with each other or the media. They're arrogant or hot heads or they beat up intimate partners.

Or they join the Yankees or something.

Regardless, a player becomes all too human. You learn how the sausage is made in corporate athletics and it becomes hard to throw such blind, unyielding support behind a team or a coach or an individual. Alliances shift as players are swapped. We come to write off one athlete, love another. Maybe merely tolerate a player because he's on the home team, for now.

Edgar was different.

We never had to toss an Edgar Martinez jersey in disgust or take down his poster from the bedroom wall. Most of us probably didn't have an Edgar poster because he wasn't a flashy guy like Ken Griffey Jr. or Alex Rodriguez. He didn't have the intimidating persona of Randy Johnson.

But perhaps he is more emblematic of the '90s Mariners we grew to love than any of those guys.

1989: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners practices his swing during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in August 1989 in Chicago, Illinois.

1989: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners practices his swing during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in August 1989 in Chicago, Illinois.

Photo: Getty Images

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1989: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners focuses on home plate as he prepares for a play during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in August 1989 in Chicago, Illinois.

1989: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners focuses on home plate as he prepares for a play during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in August 1989 in Chicago, Illinois.

Photo: Getty Images

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1991: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait in 1991.

1991: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait in 1991.

Photo: Getty Images

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1992: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners prepares to bat during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 24, 1992 in Oakland, California.

1992: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners prepares to bat during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 24, 1992 in Oakland, California.

Photo: Getty Images

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1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners Stands ready at the plate during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Milwaukee County Stadium on July 20, 1995 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners Stands ready at the plate during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Milwaukee County Stadium on July 20, 1995 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Photo: Getty Images

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1995: Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, and Tino Martinez of the Seattle Mariners during the 1995 All Star Weekend on July 10, 1995 at The Ballpark at Arlington in Arlington, Texas.

1995: Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, and Tino Martinez of the Seattle Mariners during the 1995 All Star Weekend on July 10, 1995 at The Ballpark at Arlington in Arlington, Texas.

Photo: Sporting News Via Getty Images

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1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners sits in the dugout during the Mariners' 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Milwaukee County Stadium on July 20.|

1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners sits in the dugout during the Mariners' 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Milwaukee County Stadium on July 20.|

Photo: Getty Images

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1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners hits a three-run home run in the third inning of Game 4 of the American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees at the Kingdome on Oct. 7, 1995.

1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners hits a three-run home run in the third inning of Game 4 of the American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees at the Kingdome on Oct. 7, 1995.

Photo: Getty Images

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1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners runs around second base after hitting a grand slam in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees at the Kingdome on Oct. 7.

1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners runs around second base after hitting a grand slam in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees at the Kingdome on Oct. 7.

Photo: Getty Images

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1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners doubles home the game winning runs in Game 5 of the American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees at the Kingdome on Oct. 8.

1995: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners doubles home the game winning runs in Game 5 of the American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees at the Kingdome on Oct. 8.

Photo: Getty Images

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1995: Seattle hero Edgar Martinez (left) is congratulated by teammate Alex Rodriguez in the locker room after the Mariners' 6-5 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the A.L. Division Series at the Kingdome. less

1995: Seattle hero Edgar Martinez (left) is congratulated by teammate Alex Rodriguez in the locker room after the Mariners' 6-5 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the A.L. Division Series at the ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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1996: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners looks on during batting practice of a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Aug. 1, 1996 at Yankee Stadium in New York.

1996: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners looks on during batting practice of a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Aug. 1, 1996 at Yankee Stadium in New York.

1997: Members of the American League All-Star team, from left, Alex Rodriguez, Roberto Alomar, Joey Cora and Edgar Martinez talk during practice on July 7 for the MLB All-Star game at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

1997: Members of the American League All-Star team, from left, Alex Rodriguez, Roberto Alomar, Joey Cora and Edgar Martinez talk during practice on July 7 for the MLB All-Star game at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

Photo: JEFF HAYNES, AFP/Getty Images

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1997: Designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners gets congratulations from teammates after hitting a home run during the All-Star Game at Jacobs Field in Cleveland on July 8, 1997.

1997: Designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners gets congratulations from teammates after hitting a home run during the All-Star Game at Jacobs Field in Cleveland on July 8, 1997.

Photo: Getty Images

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1998: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait during Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona.

1998: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait during Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona.

Photo: Getty Images

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1999: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners looking on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Safeco Field in Seattle on July 17.

1999: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners looking on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Safeco Field in Seattle on July 17.

Photo: Getty Images

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2000: Alex Rodriguez, Roberto Alomar, Jorge Posada, Edgar Martinez, and Bernie Williams who play for the American League stand on the field during the All-Star Game against the National League at Turner Field in Atlanta on July 11. less

2000: Alex Rodriguez, Roberto Alomar, Jorge Posada, Edgar Martinez, and Bernie Williams who play for the American League stand on the field during the All-Star Game against the National League at Turner Field ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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2000: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners warms up to bat during the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Aug. 11.

2000: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners warms up to bat during the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Aug. 11.

Photo: Getty Images

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2000: Seattle Mariner Edgar Martinez is doused with water by a teammate after their 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Angels, and their clinching of the AL Wildcard playoff birth Oct. 1 at Edison Field in Anaheim.

2000: Seattle Mariner Edgar Martinez is doused with water by a teammate after their 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Angels, and their clinching of the AL Wildcard playoff birth Oct. 1 at Edison Field in Anaheim.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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2000: Edgar Martinez and Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners celebrate together after winning Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field in Seattle on Oct. 6. less

2000: Edgar Martinez and Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners celebrate together after winning Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field in Seattle on Oct. ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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2001 : Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner of the Seattle Mariners celebrate after getting news that the Oakland A's lost to the Texas Rangers, clinching the American League Western Division title for the Mariners of the during the game at Safeco Field in Seattle on Sept. 19. less

2001 : Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner of the Seattle Mariners celebrate after getting news that the Oakland A's lost to the Texas Rangers, clinching the American League Western Division title for the Mariners of ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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2001: Seattle Mariners' Edgar Martinez is dragged away from the mound where he attempted to fight with Anaheim Angels' Lou Pote after being hit by Pote's pitch in the top of the sixth inning, in Anaheim on Oct. 2. less

2001: Seattle Mariners' Edgar Martinez is dragged away from the mound where he attempted to fight with Anaheim Angels' Lou Pote after being hit by Pote's pitch in the top of the sixth inning, in Anaheim on Oct. ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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2001: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners score the first run against the Cleveland Indians during the second inning of the American League Divisional Series at SafeCo Field in Seattle on Oct. 15.

2001: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners score the first run against the Cleveland Indians during the second inning of the American League Divisional Series at SafeCo Field in Seattle on Oct. 15.

Photo: Getty Images

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2002: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners signs autographs before the spring training game against the San Diego Padres in Peoria, Arizona, on March 3.

2002: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners signs autographs before the spring training game against the San Diego Padres in Peoria, Arizona, on March 3.

Photo: Getty Images

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2003: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait during the Mariners' spring training Media Day on February 19, 2003 at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, Arizona.

2003: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait during the Mariners' spring training Media Day on February 19, 2003 at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, Arizona.

Photo: Getty Images

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2003: Seattle Mariners DH Edgar Martinez (front) reacts as he is called out at second base by umpire Rick Reed after trying to stretch an RBI single into a double during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians on May 13 at Jacobs Field in Cleveland. less

2003: Seattle Mariners DH Edgar Martinez (front) reacts as he is called out at second base by umpire Rick Reed after trying to stretch an RBI single into a double during the first inning against the Cleveland ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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2003: Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki congratulates teammate Edgar Martinez after he hit his second home run of the game against the Kansas City Royals on May 27 in Kansas City.

2003: Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki congratulates teammate Edgar Martinez after he hit his second home run of the game against the Kansas City Royals on May 27 in Kansas City.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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2003: American League All-Star manager Mike Scioscia of the Anaheim Angels watches the trainer work on Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners after Martinez was hit in the head by a pitch during the 74th mid-summer classic at US Cellular Field, in Chicago on July 15. less

2003: American League All-Star manager Mike Scioscia of the Anaheim Angels watches the trainer work on Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners after Martinez was hit in the head by a pitch during the 74th ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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2004: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners hits a single in the first inning during his last appearance as a player in Chicago in a game against the White Sox on September 5 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

2004: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners hits a single in the first inning during his last appearance as a player in Chicago in a game against the White Sox on September 5 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

Photo: Getty Images

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2004: Designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners sits in the dugout during the game against the Texas Rangers on October 1, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

2004: Designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners sits in the dugout during the game against the Texas Rangers on October 1, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Getty Images

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2004: Fans say goodbye to designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners during the game against the Texas Rangers on October 1, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

2004: Fans say goodbye to designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners during the game against the Texas Rangers on October 1, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Getty Images

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2004: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners waves to fans as he takes the field during a postgame ceremony honoring his career as a Mariner on October 2, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

2004: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners waves to fans as he takes the field during a postgame ceremony honoring his career as a Mariner on October 2, 2004 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Getty Images

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2004: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners is greeted by fans as he takes a lap around the field during a postgame ceremony honoring his career as a Mariner on Oct. 2 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

2004: Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners is greeted by fans as he takes a lap around the field during a postgame ceremony honoring his career as a Mariner on Oct. 2 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Getty Images

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2004: A fan left a sign in the stands for Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners after a postgame ceremony honoring his 18-year career with the Mariners on Oct. 2 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

2004: A fan left a sign in the stands for Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners after a postgame ceremony honoring his 18-year career with the Mariners on Oct. 2 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Getty Images

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2015: The Seattle Mariners' new hitting coach, Edgar Martinez, smiles as he talks with a player before a baseball game against the Houston Astros on June 20, in Seattle.

2015: The Seattle Mariners' new hitting coach, Edgar Martinez, smiles as he talks with a player before a baseball game against the Houston Astros on June 20, in Seattle.

Photo: Elaine Thompson, Associated Press

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Mariners hitting coach Edgar Martinez watches a play unfold at home plate at Safeco Field on June 25, 2016.

Mariners hitting coach Edgar Martinez watches a play unfold at home plate at Safeco Field on June 25, 2016.

Photo: LACEY YOUNG, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Edgar Martinez: The Hall of Famer in our hearts

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Edgar is the kind of player whose likes we may never see again. While A-Rod shattered our hearts with his big sell-out, Griffey went back home and Randy was shipped off, Edgar remained. He was quiet and consistent. Off the field, he was humble and didn't display any braggadocio or contempt for his fans. He was among the greatest hitters of his era in the steroid age without cheating and all while staying with the same team throughout his career.

Basically, besides getting struck out, he never disappointed us.

During the Kingdome days, my brother and I would wait outside after the game with our friends, hoping to catch some players and rack up more autographs on our baseballs and T-shirts.

There were players you knew you couldn't count on. Griffey was an untouchable -- he'd speed out of the parking lot in a Mercedes. My brother chased after Norm Charlton through Pioneer Square and caused him to get nabbed by the cops for running a red light. Randy was a long shot. I did get A-Rod to stop for me in the Kingdome parking lot, but he told me to hurry it up, and then he took my pen cap. (That signature is perhaps devalued by its proximity to Rich Amaral and Bobby Cuellar on the same baseball.)

Edgar stopped. He was often the last one to emerge, so you had to wait. Maybe he didn't display the open magnanimity of Dan Wilson, but he stopped. He'd sign from the comfort of his gold BMW. He was one we were always excited to snag. (Yes, we were greedy and caught him several times.)

Edgar was the first big player to sign an autograph for my brother. Afterward, he turned to our family and said he was his favorite player. Edgar smiled, nodded and waved.

Edgar, my mom forgives you for catching her hand in your power window, signed ball in her clutches.

Maybe it was because you knew so little about him -- because he was so quiet -- that allowed you to love him. Hell, for awhile, Russell Wilson's self-imposed abstinence occupied a few too many headlines. But even what he did show was compelling -- his relentless work ethic, his consistency and his mentorship of younger players. As a hero, he didn't disappoint.

Of course, some of the Mariners' best moments were brought to us by Edgar. The Game 4 "grand salami" in 1995. The Game 5 "double." Those moments were so magical, joyous and unbelievable, yet you weren't a bit surprised that Edgar came through. OK, Yankees, you have your Jack McDowell and John Wetteland. We have Edgar.

I was actually quite defensive of Edgar's role in winning Game 5. Everyone remembers Griffey hustling around third base, sliding into the plate and occupying the beaming bottom of the celebratory pile that ensued.

"Edgar did that," I would think to myself. "He made that happen, Griffey."

We never had to break up with Edgar, as we did with other players. We could love him through the years as he remained loyal to our team and our city. And we know that should he be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he'll go in as a Mariner. (Love you, Randy, mean it.)

It's only right that Safeco Field stands at the corner named after two of the most unassailable Mariners, Edgar and Dave Niehaus. It's only right that he retired a Mariner, and returned to mold the next generation of flagging Mariners hitters into something productive. It's unquestionable that we should retire his number, enshrining it along with Junior's. Edgar was always a faithful steward for our team, which at times is almost impossible for even us, his most ardent fans, to love. He was the great Mariners mensch.